Mental health in the workplace is more important than ever, yet stigma often prevents employees from speaking openly about their struggles. In this blog, we explore the importance of fostering a mentally healthy work environment and offer strategies for breaking the stigma around mental health.

At St Vincent's, we recently celebrated World Mental Health Day by engaging our staff to share their views on mental health. With an impressive 95% participation rate, we received valuable insights into how employees manage stress and how we can continue to support their well-being. Mental health is just as vital as physical health, and it's time we treat it that way—at work, at home and beyond.

The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace and Breaking the Stigma

On this World Mental Health Day, it's crucial to highlight this issue, particularly in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure, and high-expectation environment, fuelled by social media. Now, more than ever, the need to pause and reflect is vital. Although workplaces have made significant strides in prioritising physical health and safety, mental health still often falls behind. For many employees, the pressure to "power through" stress, anxiety, or burnout is all too familiar, resulting in negative impacts on well-being, job performance, and overall workplace culture.

I am a Mental Health Nurse with over 10 years of experience in an inner-city, acute mental health facility. I have encountered people from diverse backgrounds and cultures experiencing their first acute episode of mental illness, and in nearly all cases, a triggering event is present. Aside from chemical triggers like drugs or alcohol, it is almost always a life event that acts as a catalyst for an episode—this is why I advocate for raising awareness.

On a personal note, I remember noticing a change in behaviour in one of my younger colleagues some time ago. He had become withdrawn and often appeared distracted during meetings and interactions. Concerned, I approached him for a chat. It turned out he was going through some personal challenges that were taking a toll on his mental health. Although he wasn’t ready to open up fully at the time, a few months later, he returned to thank me and revealed the depth of the struggles he had been facing.

This is a powerful reminder of how essential it is to foster a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their mental health challenges without fear of judgement.

Despite the growing awareness around mental health, stigma remains pervasive. Employees often fear judgement or being perceived as weak if they open up about mental health struggles. This stigma not only affects individuals but also negatively impacts organisations by reducing productivity, increasing absenteeism, and fostering a toxic workplace environment.

The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health is just as crucial as physical health in the workplace, yet it is often overlooked. When employees face mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or chronic stress, their ability to focus, engage, and perform at their best is compromised. In fact, mental health challenges are one of the leading causes of decreased productivity and absenteeism in the workplace. The WHO estimates that lost productivity due to mental health costs the global economy US$1 trillion annually (WHO, September 2024).

A healthy mind is essential for creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication—skills that are fundamental to the success of any business. When mental wellbeing is compromised, even the most talented employees may feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or burnt out, leading to mistakes, missed deadlines, and strained team dynamics.

From experience, I’ve seen how employees struggling with personal mental health challenges can feel immense pressure to keep up appearances. Many push through work while emotionally drained, fearing that admitting their struggles could lead to being judged or labelled, thus risking their job. This is why mental health awareness and support in the workplace are vital.

Numerous publications by mental health charities, business consultancies, and voluntary organisations have consistently emphasised the positive impact of prioritising mental health. Businesses that make mental health a priority not only help their employees thrive but also experience tangible benefits. A mentally healthy workplace contributes to:

• Higher productivity: When employees feel supported, they are more likely to stay engaged and perform at their best.
• Lower turnover: Mental health support reduces burnout and helps retain valuable talent.
• Improved company culture: Open conversations about mental health foster a more trusting and collaborative environment.

Supporting mental health in the workplace is not just the right thing to do; it is also a strategic investment in the wellbeing and success of the entire organisation.

Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health in the Workplace

While awareness of mental health issues continues to grow, stigma in the workplace persists. Stigma exists for several reasons. In some workplace cultures, resilience and long hours are prized, making any admission of mental health challenges seem incompatible with the image of a "strong" or "reliable" worker. Others may lack understanding, viewing mental health challenges as personal failings rather than recognising them as legitimate health concerns. This misunderstanding can lead to employees being reluctant to disclose their struggles, fearing they will be treated differently or overlooked for promotions or opportunities.

Breaking this stigma begins with creating a culture of openness and support. Here are a few strategies that can help foster change:

1. Normalise Conversations About Mental Health

Mental health should be discussed as openly as physical health. Just as it’s normal to talk about needing time off for a doctor’s appointment, employees should feel comfortable discussing mental health days without fear of judgement. Encouraging leadership to share their own experiences can set an example, showing that mental health is not a taboo topic.

2. Provide Mental Health Training for Managers

Leaders play a crucial role in breaking the stigma. By providing managers with mental health training, they will be better equipped to recognise signs of struggle in their teams and offer appropriate support. This training can also help reduce any unintentional bias or misunderstanding when employees bring up mental health concerns.

3. Create Safe Spaces for Employees

Establishing formal support systems, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), mental health workshops, or anonymous counselling services, can help employees feel they have a place to turn without fear of judgement. When employees know they have access to confidential, non-judgmental support, they are more likely to seek help before challenges escalate.

4. Promote Mental Health Days

Just as employees take sick days when they’re physically unwell, they should be encouraged to take mental health days when needed. A policy that explicitly allows for mental health days demonstrates that the company recognises the importance of mental well-being.

From my own experience, the moment I reached out to my colleague, it broke that initial barrier of silence. He later expressed how much it helped to know that someone cared and that he wasn’t alone. Small steps like these—from simple conversations to structured company initiatives—can create a ripple effect, helping break down the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace.

For Employees:

1. Prioritise Self-Care

Take steps to look after your own mental health. Whether it’s practising mindfulness, setting boundaries between work and personal life, or taking a mental health day when needed, it’s important to recognise when you're feeling overwhelmed and act before burnout sets in. Self-care is not selfish; it’s a necessary part of functioning effectively in all areas of life. Recognising early signs of stress and burnout is critical to maintaining both personal and professional well-being.

2. Be Open About Mental Health

If you feel comfortable, be open with colleagues or managers about mental health challenges. This doesn’t mean oversharing but simply talking about mental health can help break down stigma and encourage others to do the same. Sometimes, expressing that you're feeling overwhelmed can prompt a much-needed conversation or support. When employees share their struggles, it helps normalise these experiences for others, fostering a culture where everyone feels supported.

3. Support Your Colleagues

You don’t have to be a manager to make a difference. If you notice a colleague struggling, consider reaching out. Even small gestures like checking in or offering to listen can help reduce feelings of isolation. You don’t have to offer solutions—sometimes just showing that you care can make all the difference. Support from colleagues can create a ripple effect in the workplace, where care and empathy become standard practices, not just crisis interventions.

4. Utilise Workplace Resources

If your company offers mental health resources like an EAP, therapy services, or mental health workshops, take advantage of them. Knowing how to access these resources, and encouraging others to do the same, can promote a healthier workplace environment for everyone. Resources are only valuable if they’re used, so employees should feel empowered to take advantage of the support available without fear of judgement.

Conclusion

Creating a mentally healthy workplace requires both individual effort and organisational commitment. By breaking the stigma around mental health and providing resources for support, companies can foster an environment where employees feel valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Whether you're an employer, manager, or colleague, each of us has the ability to contribute to a culture of openness, empathy, and understanding.

At St Vincent’s, to celebrate World Mental Health Day, we took a proactive step by engaging staff to gather their views on mental health in the workplace. It was refreshing to discover that 95% of the staff participated, providing valuable input on their mental health experiences and the activities they use to relieve stress. This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to improving mental health support for our team. We don’t plan to wait until next year to take further action—stay tuned for more updates on how we’re progressing at St Vincent’s.

Our Scottish team also completed a 52km bike ride round the south of Bute to raise money for Mental Health Innovations who offer a 24/7 mental health support text service called Shout. Half the funds will also go to Second Chance Dog Rescue who rehome abandoned dogs providing incredible wellbeing benefits for both dog and owner. If you would like to support these charities you can donate here (fundraising page open until October 14th 2024): https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stvconsulting

In the meantime, let’s all look after one another. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s time we treat it that way—at work, and everywhere else.